Lord Maltravers was restless and uneasy, looking constantly toward the door, as if he feared some interruption to the ceremony.
Alfred bit his lip and frowned, as he regarded Maltravers with anything but a friendly air.
Scarcely had the clergyman read half a dozen lines when there was a loud ring at the bell.
Maltravers started and Lena flushed visibly as if she hoped against hope that something might happen to interfere with this hateful marriage.
The minister went on with the ceremony.
Suddenly there was a commotion in the hall, the sound of footsteps was heard on the stairs, and Jack Harkaway, hat in hand, appeared in the doorway.
Halting on the threshold he said: "Pardon my intrusion, ladies and gentlemen."
Lord Maltravers bridled up.
"You are an uninvited guest, sir," he replied.
"I have taken the liberty of coming here to interrupt this marriage."